A Shift to Equality: A Narrative of Cyclists Facing Road Superiority in the Philippines
- Andrei John Solano, Dirk Ian Diamante, Liam Lael Ladores, Miguel Ryan Vengco, Slevin Ryje De Dios
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
by Andrei John Solano, Dirk Ian Diamante, Liam Lael Ladores, Miguel Ryan Vengco, Slevin Ryje De Dios
Paddling along the streets should not be a battle for survival as every ride through Metro Manila felt like a battle. Cyclists like Miguel suffer from the harsh realities of road discrimination, hazards, and overlooked bike lane laws. Having bike lanes alone wasn’t enough, as more cyclists remained vulnerable on the road. The struggle for safety and equality became an urgent concern many cyclists couldn’t ignore.
Metropolitan roads are crowded with students, workers, and drivers commuting daily. Vehicles contribute to congested traffic, leading to irritation amongst drivers, which lead to an increased risk of altercations and accidents. Cyclists face greater challenges riding alongside larger vehicles, which then makes them more prone to danger and accidents. Furthermore, the MMDA's report on bicycle-related road crash statistics in Metro Manila claims that 2,397 cyclists were involved in collisions, with 33 of them losing their lives. The report highlights the physical dangers that cyclists continue to face like verbal harassment and discrimination, that are evident from the drivers. Online, hostility toward cyclists persists, with social media users blaming them for traffic congestion and even making harmful jokes about hitting or harming them (Bikebiz, 2013). Negativity reinforces discriminatory attitudes, which in turn contribute to unsafe road conditions by fostering aggression, reducing respect for cyclists' rights, and increasing the likelihood of reckless behavior from motorists. According to ABS-CBN News (2021), the Quezon City government apprehended 616 motorists for obstructing or illegally using bike lanes in the first two months of the year. As shown by the statistics of ABS-CBN, motorists often disregard the infrastructures that were made to help protect the cyclists, their obstruction of bike lanes compromises the safety and effectiveness of these designated lanes. Moreover, cars and motorists often use bike lanes as parking spots, endangering cyclists and disregarding their rights (Philstar, 2020). Addressing this issue requires not only policy and infrastructure changes but also a shift in culture and mutual respect among road users.
Miguel is one of the cyclists who have experienced discrimination on the road. Miguel often uses his bike to go to school which means he uses public roads on a daily basis. He first encountered motorcycle riders using the bike lane, defying the DPWH guideline restricting it to cyclists and requiring motorists to use a different lane. One day, a motorcycle swerved onto the bike lane and made contact with Miguel's bike. The motorcyclist became enraged with him, and even though Miguel was in the biker's right lane, he was held responsible for the crash. Regardless, the rider maintained that he was at fault despite the designated use of the bike lane. The rider then told him that cyclists do not belong on the road and that they should be banned because of their recklessness. Alongside the scolding, Miguel had also received a series of profanities from the rider.
At home, Miguel wondered why motorists disrespect cyclists, which led to him asking for insights from his friends who are also cyclists, he then learned how common it is for bikers to be discriminated. According to a survey from Social Weather Station (SWS), there are 7.3 million cyclists that were recorded during 2022, this shows how many people use bikes as a mode of transport or just a hobby. Cyclists are also exposed to countless dangers such as fast vehicles passing by, which causes them to lose balance out of surprise. At times, cyclists are forced to use the main road due to obstructions in the bike lane, often resulting in drivers honking or shouting at them for slowing traffic, unaware of the circumstances that led to the lane change.
Aside from dangers, Miguel had also seen motorists who view cyclists as poor or people who belong to the low-income group. Because of their negative perception, motorists see cyclists as inferior and nothing more than nuisances. False perceptions of cyclists had spread throughout communities, causing more fights and accidents on the road. Additionally, officials had also begun to prioritize motorists more than cyclists. Miguel’s experience highlights the harsh reality that cyclists face on the road like discrimination, entitlement from motorists, and a lack of respect for their rights. His encounter with the motorcycle rider not only put his safety at risk but also revealed the hatred that some motorists hold against cyclists. From his conversations with fellow cyclists, Miguel learned that these issues are widespread, making roads even more dangerous for those who rely on bicycles for transportation. The discrimination against cyclists is fueled by misconceptions and social biases, leading to unfair treatment and increased risks of accidents.
Respect and awareness are essential in ensuring road safety for everyone. Cyclists are also road users and should not be treated as an inferior road user or as obstacles. Instead of blaming and mistreating them, motorists should acknowledge their right to use public roads and show patience and responsibility. Proper enforcement of bike lane regulations and community efforts to promote mutual respect among all road users are necessary steps toward a safer transportation system. By working together, the community can help prevent accidents, reduce discrimination, and create a culture of shared responsibility on the road.
REFERENCES LIST
ABS CBN News (2021, February 9). Over 600 motorists apprehended in Quezon City for blocking, using bike lanes. ABS CBN News
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/02/09/21/over-600-motorists-apprehended-in-quezon-city-for-blocking-using-bike-lanes
Bikebiz (2013). Cyclist hatred is ‘almost like racial discrimination,’ says AA prez. Bikebiz
https://bikebiz.com/cyclist-hatred-is-almost-like-racial-discrimination-says-aa-prez/amp/
Cervantes, F. (2023, August 31). SWS: 1 out of 3 Filipino families uses bicycles. Philippine News Agency
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208953#:∼:text=The%20latest%20number%20is%20higher,Filipino%20households%20nati
onwide%2C%20own%20bicycles
DPWH (2022, December 19). Updated Guidelines and Standard Design Drawings for Bicycle Facilities along National Roads.
Luna, F. (2020, June 23). Car drivers warned: Don't use, park on bike lanes. Philstar
Manila Bulletin (2023, May 5). Bikers, bike lanes, and safe roads: It should not be a test to survive a journey. Manila Bulletin
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